Looking for an easy appetizer that’s sure to please or maybe looking for light lunch ideas? Bruschetta is just the ticket! Made with a few basic ingredients and served on slices of lightly toasted bread or crackers, even a beginner chef can master this treat.

How it’s made: a baguette is sliced, brushed with olive oil (and garlic if you wish) then lightly toasted in the oven or on the grill. When the bread is ready, top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, diced onions and finely shredded cheese. Season with Kosher salt and cracked black pepper then serve.

Although it’s pretty basic to make, there are a few variations you can try (such as different cheeses, breads and seasonings). You’ll find several ideas below.

First a few tips:

You can make a fine bruschetta with canned ingredients, but fresh is best whenever possible.

Use a good quality olive oil for best results (seriously).

Chop tomatoes and onions into small pieces, you can definitely use large chunks but it’s easier (neater) to eat when the veggies are cut smaller.

Skip the bargain cheese bin and select a fine block that you can grate yourself before using in the recipe (Try Parmesan, Mozzarella, Provolone, Asiago, Ricotta, Feta, etc.). In other words, pass on the bags of shredded cheese.

Ready to get started? Here is my handpicked collection from around the net, each promises to impress and each so easy to prepare!

Grilled[3]: Plum tomatoes are grilled first until charred then mixed with the rest of the ingredients (olive oil, coarse salt and ground pepper, minced garlic, red-wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, basil leaves) and served on thick slices of country bread (grilled till they begin to char). From Martha Stewart.